Why Travel Makes for Healthy Kids

Some people prefer not to take their children on holiday, or at least not to take them very far. This isn't due to an aversion to their kids! It's more for practical considerations. Some of those might include:

-the kids won't really have fun
-WE won't really have fun
-the kids aren't likely to be as careful in a third world country and might get sick
-the kids would have more fun if we all went to Disneyland together some time

If you have very young children, that might stand true (although I have many friends who claim that the best time to go on holiday with children is when they're tiny -- you don't have to worry about doing what they want to do and can focus on lying on the beach all day!). But kids have far more appreciation for travel than you might expect.

So-called "kid friendly" holidays (such as trips to Disneyland and the like) quickly become old hat. They might be hugely excited the first time, but make it a yearly event and see how quickly they begin to take it for granted! It's far more productive to take your kids places where they'll be exposed to new ideas and people, see other cultures, and experience new things.

Your children might amaze you! Those pyramids might awe them just as much as they did you. And they may even have some insights you missed out on. So don't be afraid to take your children on holiday -- you can always get a sitter if you must. You might have more fun than you thought!